title: Free-space to single-mode collection efficiency enhancement using photonic lanterns.
abstract: We demonstrate single-mode collection efficiency enhancement for free space optical systems using a photonic lantern to collect scattered infrared light from diffuse objects at far- and near-field distances. A single-mode collection efficiency improvement of ∼8  dB is demonstrated in the near-field region relative to standard single-mode fiber. The insertion loss properties of the photonic lantern are also analyzed, and an additional insertion loss penalty is observed for near-field distances when the transmitted beam is collimated. The photonic lantern can be used for coherent detection systems such as light detection and ranging and free-space optical communication with improved collection efficiency and nearly perfect mode matching.
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ozdur
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Toliver
authors.forename: Anjali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Agarwal
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Woodward